Posts Tagged ‘artist du jour’
Artist du Jour: Joyce Tremethick
Join me for an out of this world interview with the newest Artist du Jour interviewee, the lovely and inspiring Joyce Tremethick. I am lovin’ Joyce’s exploration of deep space nebulas and planets through acrylic paints!
Artist du Jour: Joyce Tremethick
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a 54 year old single and self-taught artist living in Highland Village, a suburb of the Dallas Metroplex. I was born a native Mississippian, but moved to Texas in 1984, with three children and a husband. I went to work for the Xerox Corporation for a time, and transitioned from there to opening my own business.
In 1996, I founded and operated, solo, One 2 One Fitness for 14 successful years. During my tenure as owner and manager and trainer, I was successful at helping to lead thousands to a healthier, nutritional lifestyle. In 2003, One 2 One Fitness, and me, were recognized in an article by Woman’s World Magazine, a well-known and national publication. In addition to that recognition, numerous other awards and recognitions graced my hard work over the life of the business. In 2010, I closed One2 One Fitness to pursue my second passion: an artist who absolutely loves to create Art that when one looks at it, feelings of all kinds are evoked.
Three words that best describe your art…
Bold, but in some ways delicate
Quieting
Spiritual because it evokes tranquility
Moonlighting with the Whales by Joyce Tremethick
From your beautiful, bold paintings of the universe and beyond to your lovely and more delicate floral renderings, who or what would you say has been the biggest influence to your work?
On the landscape and floral side of my work, definitely Claude Monet; I realize that he was an impressionistic Artist, however, because his art is so stress- relieving for me, and peaceful, and pretty, I believe my admiration for his art stimulated me in that direction, maybe subconsciously.
On the Universe or deep space side of me, Stepehen Hawkins, inspired me. Stephen Hawkins, I am aware, is not an artist, but because he helped us to understand space and astronomy like no other astronomist or scientist, I was intrigued, and in so being, I put it to canvas.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Hand-painted tote by Joyce Tremethick
Super Cynicism Eradicator
The power to eradicate cynicism. I think this could cure many of society’s ills, namely: racism, gossip, rudeness, etc.
If you could meet one artist, past or present, and ask them one question, who would it be and what would you ask?
Claude Monet. How can we keep original, hand-painted art competitive and in the forefront?
When did you first discover your creative side?
I will always remember it: In March 2008, it was snowing and I was bored. I have always written poetry, but at that particular moment, I pondered picking up a paint brush putting a picture to what I was thinking and feeling. I can’t draw and to this day, I can’t draw. But I can paint it… and that was the beginning and discovering of my painting artistic side. I had little tubes of paint and brushes on hand for other kinds of craft. Never did I ever think that it would it lead me to where I am now .
A little peek into Joyce's home
Where can we find you?
MCL Grand Theater, a 40,000 square foot art gallery and Theater owned by the City of Lewisville in Lewisville, Texas, another suburb of the Dallas Metroplex. In January of this Year, I placed second for a trydich of a “texas blazing sunset” painting. The MCL asked my permission to keep the painting on loan, where it remains today.
You can find me at the City of Lewisville Library in one of their massive exhibit windows
As a member of the Visual Art League of Lewisville
You can also find me as a juror of V.A.S.E.—Visual Arts Scholastic Events, an organization hosted by Texas Art Education Association which recognizes exemplary students in the area of visual arts.
On the web:
You can find me on facebook under: Joyce Boyd
- http://www.redbubble.com/people/thisarttobeyour This is prints of my work can be ordered.
One of Joyce's bold and inspiring universe paintings.
No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks!
School’s out, y’all! Time to head down to the pool, the beach, and the farmer’s market… and what better way to make a splash beach-side (or pick up a bushel of those fabulously fresh Georgia Peaches if you’re in the south) then with the super chic Little Mermaid Eco-Tote designed by Artist Andrea?
You may recall another one of Andrea’s awesome totes featured a while back, Ooh La La (find the fashion print here). And at the fab price of only $TEN BUCKS$ a bag, why not get two…or three! And what was that???… oh, yeah!!! YOU can enter this super FABULOUS GIVEAWAY hosted by the Art School Grad Blogspot to win your own FREE Little Mermaid Eco-Tote! Who doesn’t like FREE STUFF???
Cuteness abounds! Lovin' my tote!
Andrea also recently released another fab design in her eco-tote line that will have even the landiest of landlubbers a droolin’. Ahoy! Check out this here booty! Ok, going a bit ‘overboard’ with all the pirate talk. I’ll go walk the plank now.
Ahoy! Eco-tote
And hey, c’mon, that hot pirate chick needs somewhere to stash her booty…ahem…makeup. Artist Andrea is hitting the nail on the head with her line of bags. Check out the lovely new line of cosmetic bags… the perfect size to fit in your overnight bag or even a large handbag! And the interior is a cushion-lined polyester which equals super easy cleaning in case of a little shadow spillage. Not to mention a great little zippered interior storage pocket! And did I mention that she has two super adorable designs? I have the Juliet style… GORGEOUS!
Juliet Cosmetic Bag by Artist Andrea
Disclaimer!!! I feel as though I should mention my recent obsession with turning photographs into vintage, digital Polaroids… check out this site to turn your fave snapshots into classic looking Polaroids by Polardroid.
Let’s get back to fun in the sun…
Hot fun in the summer time...
Days beach-side, pool-side, park-side, what have you; if you have kids (and even if you don’t and you’ve been enjoying that pre-mommy bikini bod and a Pina Coloda in Cabo), then you know summer time not only equals squeals of delight, fun in the sun, and hours of splashing in the waves (followed by others’ squeals of delight if you’re single.. in Cabo… and just lost your top); you’re also familiar with sand in the most unimaginable cracks and crevices; sunburn, sunburn, evil, awful sunburn; and cranky, cranky, sun-drained tiredness. Oh, the joys of parenthood…and singledomhood…or whatever. Ha!
Really, I’m going somewhere with this…
Water hoses and hoop-a-loops!
What better way to wind down that cranky, tired, over-sunned beach bunny? LAVENDER! From the Greek word, ‘lavare’, which means to wash, lavender is known for it’s reputable relaxation qualities. Heck, apparently, in the Middle Ages, Queen Elizabeth used it to treat frequent migraines! If that’s not relaxing, I don’t know what is!
I recently started bathing my three year old wild, sun child, London, in Baby Swank Naturals: Lavender Chamomile after our nearly-daily pool trips. After a few hours at the pool, becoming over-tired and over-saturated in chlorine, a dunk in this lovely baby wash has become my saving grace. I think London likes it, too. 
The light, floral scent of lavender, which is not as overwhelming as similar products I’ve used, is so relaxing for nerves frazzled by a three-year old’s poolside temper tantrum… and it’s relaxing for the child, too! I have to admit, one thing that I was concerned about with using this product, was the effects it would have on London’s skin.
Baby Swank Naturals by Meagan Visser
See, London has uber sensitive skin. Right before her second birthday, she developed a rash. I thought it was a heat rash for the first two weeks. But then it began to spread, and it was a horrible, horrible sight. We were out of town, visiting my parents, at the time. And it just kept getting worse. So, I finally took her to my childhood pediatrician, who then referred us to a dermatologist that confirmed our lingering suspicions… the dreaded eczema!
Eczema, eczema, eczema! So many potential causes, so hard to determine…and after of over a year of trying to figure out if it was laundry detergent or the world’s most navigationaly-capable cat (oh, that is a story all in itself…remind me, and I’ll tell you some other time) or just life in general… nothing. So, back to the Baby Swank Naturals Baby Wash… I was nervous.
At first, I dabbed just a bit on a washcloth, and washed my daughter gingerly, nervously. Everything seemed fine, no rashes out of the ordinary. So, the next day, I added a bit more (though a little of this product goes a long way), and scrubbed her down… her steroid creams and lotions by my side (yeah, sadly, it’s that bad). Nothing. Nothing at all. Just a clean, less-cranky, and smelly-good baby girl. Ok, toddler girl, but she’ll always be my baby!
With that said, definitely check out Meagan’s new line of baby washes, especially if you’re like me and prefer natural products free of junk like parabens and preservatives, and all those crazy long names that take you an hour of tongue twisting to pronounce.
How her garden grows... just wanted to give you an update on how our garden is GROWING!!!
Artist du Jour: Marina Taliera
This week, the Artist du Jour series catches up with the lovely Marina Taliera ,who, through her stunning portrait and map series, reminds us to look within ourselves and, with borrowing the words of Gandhi, be the change in which we wish to see in the world. I have fallen in love with Marina’s expressive use of emotional line and captivating color, as I’m sure that you will as well. Enjoy!
Artist du Jour: Marina Taliera
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Marina Taliera, and I am a painter of “Maps” and “Abstract portraits”.
I’ve always been a creative person; my childhood was filled with travels and
never ending questions about the world and its mysteries.
After studying costume design, I fell in love with painting.
I can spend hours in my studio, reading listening to music and painting. Originally from
the south of France, I currently set up my “atelier” in the beautiful town of Oaxaca, Mexico.
The Abstract Portrait series has such a raw emotional beauty about it.
Kaya by M. Taliera (one of my personal faves and it's available for sale on Etsy)
Where do you find your inspiration?
I started that series back in 2005 with a painting called “BRUJA”,
I was talking on the phone with a friend, sketching and I ended up
painting a face on top of an unfinished abstract painting I liked the
result , got commissioned to do two more and decided that they’re was
something to explore there. I have no fear of a wrong line or a wrong
color when I paint; it starts as an abstract, a collage; recycling
papers and textures then I layer paint, oil pastels, and a story takes
place. The “Abstract Portraits” reminds us to look within, the eyes
are closed meditating, leaving a certain mystery, the strokes are raw
and express movement.
Moving to Oaxaca a city known for its colorful art, crafts and
architecture was a great way to stimulate my creativity. Traveling,
stepping outside of your comfort zone, helps I’ve noticed to get the
best work out .
Marina's studio with an abstract map painting in process on the easel
Tell me about ‘Recyclarte’ and the Map Series.
Compass by M. Taliera, available for purchase on Etsy
“Recyclarte” is the name of the etsy store that I started with my
partner J-Paw. We are both passionate about art and the idea to reuse;
giving new life to objects, papers, metal, bottles… it just made sense.
“Recyclar”-”arte” became the perfect word to describe what we do.
Art like music is a great way to spread messages and I think the “Map
Series” is a way to remind people to cherish simple things, the
texture of a tree the shape of a coast line.
In my paintings, I use recycled papers , dried leaves and flowers,
onion skin, cardboard, sand; anything organic that catches my attention
by its uniqueness.
I come from a generation that has been hearing “the
world is polluted, sick, dying” since middle school but I try and always
stay positive. A lot of amazing people are changing the way they live
and consume, and I am hopeful that in the next few years more will
follow .
Chess the cat hanging out by one of Marina's paintings
What’s your favorite part about the creative process?
Finishing a painting is always a great feeling, showing it for the
first time , getting different reactions from people, etc . I usually
start 3 or 4 at the same time so there’s always a canvas calling my
attention. If i get blocked on one piece, i can always move on to the
next one.
Selling on Etsy has led me to experiment more when it comes
to taking pictures of my artwork. I really fell in love with it ! I
look for the perfect place now, the perfect outdoor wall or tree to
photograph my work. I think it gives art a different approach showing
it in nature vs a gallery wall.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Probably telekinetic powers! How great would it be to be able to
paint, holding the brush with my mind only.
6 Degree South by Marina Taliera
I would definitely be working with animals. That used to be my
dream job as a kid. We have rescued 3 cats and a dog so far since
we’ve moved to Mexico. I definitively plan to open a shelter for
rescued animals with the sale of my artwork . It’s something that is
really needed here and that I believe can be helped.
Where can we find you?
More of my work is available online at : www.http://mtaliera.mfbiz.com/
I also upload weekly pictures to my Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/MTaliera/133011923394753
J-Paw’s recycled masks and paintings can be found at :
www.http://jpawart.mosaicglobe.com
Some of my “Arte rocca” pieces are currently being displayed at Black
Box studio: http://www.la-blackbox.com/ and I’m currently working on
some pieces for the upcoming 2011 FONCA art festival.
Moss, Painting by Marina available on Etsy.
Artists du Jour: Meredith and Jacob Parker
And now to introduce you to the newest Artists du Jour…that right, artists with an ‘s’… the lovely ‘stache sporting, jewelry creating couple, Meredith and Jacob Parker. I am SO lovin’ their metal work… and guys, they even make awesome belt buckles!
Artists du Jour: Jacob and Meredith Parker
Who are you and what do you do?
Meredith and Jacob Parker, married couple. We are the owners and operators of Leeward Be, a metal and jewelry shop.
Essentially, both of us have been doing creative things our entire life, so having this shop – this sort of amalgam of our styles and talents, and a focus with which to pursue it – it’s really a dream for us.
We do everything by hand around here. We have a Dremel for drilling holes, but everything else is all us. Cutting, sanding, filing, engraving, hammering, riveting…all of it.
When you do things by hand, you really get to know the material you’re working with: how it reacts, what its limits are, what it can be coaxed into doing if you do it right. You don’t get that level of intimacy with power tools because there is that barrier between your hands and the metal.
Hot Air Balloon Belt Buckle by the Parkers
What are the best aspects of being able to create and work with your significant other?
Meredith and Jacob
M: Getting to spend time together; you get to do what you love with the person you love.
I’m also not afraid to offer input or criticism because we know each other so well that I don’t have to worry about whether or not he’s going to take it personally. We both want to put out the best piece that we can.
I also like that the longer we are together, the more a hybrid style develops; our two separate styles becoming one. A bigger, more powerful style.
J:Yeah! I like…synergy? I don’t know.
You get to the point where the other person is an additional tool: you watch each other work and you know what the other person needs before they need it. It becomes a very streamlined process.
Plus, in a weird way, there is no pressure since the other person thinks you are great regardless, but also immense pressure because they are the one person in the world that you want to impress.
Man in the Moon Necklace
You guys are making some really great pieces of jewelry and I understand that metals are a newer endeavor for you both. What creative paths led you to jewelry making?
M: I’ve always sketched and drawn, and I’ve worked with clay. Knitting and crocheting are what got me a job at a local bead store, where I was totally submerged for four years. I learned the basics of how to make jewelry: balance, color, etc. Once we learned how to work with metal, I could add my other experience to it, so it was just a matter of bringing it all together.
J: We’ve been working with metals for around nine months now. We heard that the community college had a good course, and it sounded interesting, so we took it together. Completely life changing; we both suddenly found this medium that just instantly clicked. It was great, and we had a great teacher.
Neither of us, though, are new to art or making things in general. I mean, I have all of my notebooks from high school and college, but very little notes. What does that tell you?
Apart from art stuff, I grew up loving shiny things. Bedazzlers, Elton John, David Bowie, those roller skates with glittery wheels. Plus I love the kinetic sculptures of people like Arthur Ganson. The technicalities of that stuff just blow me away.
So art+shiny+sculptures=jewelry, I guess. Meredith is the one who really opened my eyes to the fact that you didn’t necessarily have to do gold hoop earrings every time. She made me see jewelry as creative, not just production.
Benny Business
Who or what inspires your designs?
J: Honestly, I think that we kind of play off of each other. I might be trying to sketch out an idea, and I’ll get frustrated with it and give up.
Then Meredith will take a look at it and throw her two cents in and take it in a new direction that I hadn’t thought of and, suddenly, it’s really a great idea and you know that it’s going to work. I’d like to think that I do the same for her.
It’s also pretty important to let things grow organically. A lot of times, where we begin is miles from where we end, but it seems to work out all right.
M: What he said.
Other than that, I’m gonna go with ‘complete accident.’
Metal is not an inexpensive venture, so if you make a small mistake, you kind of have to roll with it. Incorporate it into the design.
Sterling Silver Snail Necklace
What superpower would most like to possess?
M: I know it sounds lame, but I would love to have a prehensile tail. At least once a day I say, ‘I need more hands.’ That’d take care of it. There’s all the classics – flight, invisibility, speed – but I think that, for what I do, a tail would be the most useful one. It’s not a fun one, but it’s the one I’d pick.
J: I wrestled with this. I think, as a guy, we wrestle with this question from about second grade. I used to cop out and say that I wanted to be affected by Earth’s yellow sun like Superman, because you would get all the superpowers. But, since I am now a fair-playing adult, I will say flight. Which is strange, because I hate flying.
When you’re not making jewelry, what are you up to?
M: I play the banjo…I really like my couch time…but in all honesty, I do metalwork for fun, even if it’s not to sell. I DO still love to crochet. I’m a generally fidgety person, so I like to keep my hands busy.
J: We hang out together. It’s as ambiguous a term now as it was when I said it back in high school. We might be playing music together or playing with our two cats, or cleaning the house. We DO watch a lot of America’s Funniest Home Videos. But, generally speaking, we do everything together.
Where can we find you?
As of this moment, you can find us online at
www.etsy.com/shop/LeewardBe, or you can follow us on twitter @LeewardBe
We don’t blog, or have a facebook page, or…whatever else. YET. We are currently investigating where best to establish our vast web presence. Physically, we are going to begin shopping our pieces to stores in the near future.
How will you know if we ever do those things? Follow us on the ol’ Twitter. We’ll let you know.
Sterling Flower Garden Pendant
The lovely Parkers’ are offering a lovely 10% discount in their Etsy shop. Just enter the coupon code ‘benny‘.
Artist du Jour: Laurel Bushman
Featured Artist du Jour interviewee, the delightful Laurel Bushman, proves that snack food is not just for eating… it makes darn cute jewelry, too.
Warning! The pictures in this interview may induce hunger. Please do not lick your monitor. That would be gross.
Artist du Jour: Laurel Bushman
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Laurel Bushman and I am currently working on small-scale molded pieces that I make into jewelry. Until recently I was working on huge murals but I love working in three dimensions and also fussing about details. I plan to keep working on the jewelry I sell in my Etsy shop, which mimics snack foods like teddy grahams and gold fish, but I am also hoping to make more time for my first love, which is drawing from life.
Describe your creative process.
With my charms and jewelry, I see a cookie I like and I go for it. I have boxes and boxes of molds I’ve made from casting various snacks that are waiting for their time to come to life. I really enjoy the process of capturing a great shape first with the alginate, then with fine plaster, and then working it over to make it refined enough to make a mold from the plaster with clay. It’s actually a very long process to get to a finished, painted or gold- leafed piece. By processing the shape, it really is transformed from a processed food into a hand-made work of art.
My process in drawing or painting is similar in some ways. I see something that attracts me for whatever reason, and I feel the need to transform it into my own dialect, from real to abstract via the paper and pencil or paint and canvas.
Camel charm by Laurel Bushman
What ignited the passion for turning classic snack foods into fun little accessories?
Sour Patch inspired key chains by Laurel Bushman
I made a project as a student at Savannah College of Art and Design that involved casting snack foods like Oreos, Fig Newtons and candy bars in plaster and painting them to look identical to the originals. I discovered I enjoy making the edible inedible for some reason (which I have yet to pinpoint), and the process of casting opened up a lot of creative doors. The first charm I made for Etsy was the Gold Fish because I thought it was the perfect combination of art-school cleverness and marketability with art at its core. Since then I have been making as many charms and doo dads as I can think of with many more to come!
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
That’s easy- I’d fly and also be sure to overcome a slight fear of heights!
What other creative folks do you admire?
Laurel's Studio
My mom is the most creative person I know. She can make anything into something useful, fun, or beautiful. As a kid, my brother and I had a huge playhouse made from cereal boxes, complete with windows and a chimney! She has always encouraged me to look at the world like a giant project filled with opportunities to learn.
Five favorite things in the world.
Taking long walks, writing letters, yoga, public libraries, experiencing a great performance of music. (A frothy cappuccino is a close runner up!)
Where can we find you?
I live in Santa Cruz, California and my etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurelBushman
I’m also part of a great team of SCAD alumni with shops on Etsy. You can visit our blog at http://scadonetsy.blogspot.com or you can simply search for SCAD team on Etsy to see our items.
Goldfish charms by Laurel Bushman
Artist du Jour: Gretchen
Artist du Jour: Interviews with the Creative Kind is back to introduce you to Renaissance Woman, the talented Gretchen… she knits, she sews, she draws, she does the most darling little embroideries…what can this lovely lady not do?
Artist du Jour: Gretchen
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Gretchen, and besides being a wife and stay-at-home mom to a 4-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy, I like to do all sorts of creative things. I have been drawing and crocheting and sewing since I was quite young. I also knit and carve rubber stamps and embroider (as well as any other number of things I see online that strike my fancy!). My latest passion is drawing digital illustrations, and I feel like I’m finding my niche there.
What three words best describe your work?
Dollhouse. One of Gretchen's most sought after embroideries available on Etsy.
Imagination, story-telling, feeling
What do you enjoy most about creating? Least?
I love the satisfaction of looking at a finished piece, because I still marvel at my ability to do it. I draw something and then think, “Did *I* really draw that?” It’s honestly a surprise every time, which makes it even more rewarding. I love getting really stuck into the work and going, going, going until it’s just right. I usually hate prep work, the planning, supply-gathering.
What artist(s) do you admire?
Can I side-step out of this one? 
I wouldn’t even know where to start. There are so many fiber artists and illustrators who I admire. I read once that the way to learn and develop your own style is to copy that of others until your preferences emerge and your own quirks (imperfections) come out to make the style yours. I have done a lot of emulating to practice and get to a place where I feel like I know what my artistic style is, and I’m so grateful to all of those artists who influenced me.
Safe Passage, digital illustration by Gretchen
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Hmmm. Could I be super-present, like able to make my kids lunch, exercise, and work on a drawing all at the same time, so I can essentially get some more hours in the day?
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your creative endeavors thus far?
Having people buy my work because they like it, they really like it! Some of the things people have said about my work is so rewarding because I can see that what I’m doing is resonating with someone out there. And, like I said, I’m always a little surprised by that, even after doing this for a while now. I still have trouble calling myself an artist, but I’m working on it!
Where can we find you?
I blog at http://www.juneatnoon.com.
I have an Etsy shop at http://juneatnoon.etsy.com.
I have a Twitter account, http://www.flickr.com/juneatnoon,
and a Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/juneatnoon.
The lovely Gretchen is also offering you lovely Artist du Jour readers a coupon code for 15% off of your purchase in her Etsy shop, so check out her fantastic works! Coupon Code: DUJOUR 15
Winding Wool, digital illusrtration by Gretchen availbale on Etsy.
Artist du Jour: Hannah Jackson
Artist du Jour: Hannah Jackson
Who are you and what do you do?
What’s a typical day in the life of Hannah Jackson like?
Letter Lover by Hannah Jackson
Rough Seas by Hannah Jackson
Hannah's work space
Where do you find your inspiration?
A lovely work in progress.
Illustration by Hannah Jackson
Hannah at work during the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Fest 2010
And FYI, the 30th Annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival is only a few weeks away. If you’re in the area, be sure to drop by Forsyth Park on Saturday, April 30th. You might just get to see the lovely Miss Jackson at work!
She’s Baaaa-ack!
Snap! Crackle! Stretching those kinks out of my typing digits.
Finally, back from my two week “vacation” up “north” to see the family in good old NC. I am jonesing to unleash myself into my studio and create something… anything! But first, I wanted to share some things I’ve been up to, things my lovely Artist du Jour interviewees have been up to…and of course,to share the finished product from when my daughter and I had our “Mommy and Me Paint Day”.
So, without further ado… and then the phone rings, my alma mater begging me for money…doesn’t it say on my transcript I went to ART school…that should explain that I have NO money! Jeez. Anyhoo, like I was saying, without further ado, I present you with the fruits of our “Mommy and Me Paint Day” labors…
Our garden, container box painted my Allie and London. Copyright 2011
Ok, so we cheated a bit. We didn’t start with seeds, but in the next few months we’ll be grubbing on some Sweet Vidalia Onions, pimentos, heirloom tomatoes, zukes and yellow squash, sweet peas, and whatever else the Hubs planted while we were in North Carolina. Don’t worry folks, they’re not all in the one container box!
In other news, even more joyous then Glenn Beck’s show being canceled on the mind numbing Fox News channel, I’ve been painting more stone tiles. From coasters and trivets to decorative tiles… here are a few I have listed for your buying pleasure on Etsy and a set of custom coral reef inspired coasters I painted for a dear customer…
Custom coasters in progress
How does she do this, you ask. Simple. Sort of. First, I lightly sketch my drawing out onto the stone tile. I try to choose smoother tiles, though not totally smooth. I enjoy the look of the “imperfections” of the stone, it really gives each piece character. Though you don’t want too much “character”, or you’ll have one heck of a time with sketching out your image and painting it.
After I’ve sketched my image onto the stone to my liking (by the way, I find that a plain old No.2 pencil is much more forgiving then graphite pencils, though it may give you nightmares of filling in all those bubble sheets in back in grade school), it’s on to the process of painting the stone. The tumbled stone is a very thirsty object, therefore watercolors are discouraged. I use acrylic paints, and you can even get away with doing some heavy acrylic washes on these stones to give your image a hint of tint. Just don’t sop it on, because it will roll right off the smoother spots of the stones. But obviously, the thicker the paint, the more vibrant the look. I also use India Ink to do some outlining on the stones, and I’ve found that it holds up nicely, though is a bit less forgiving then the acrylic paints.
Hand painted stone custom coasters
When I’m done with adding color to the stone (and after giving it time to try), I seal the work with a spray resin varnish, which can be found at your local art store. When doing coasters or trivets, I add either felt or cork circles to the backside of each stone so that it will not scratch surfaces.
Persephone's Garden, Hand-painted stone
And last, but certainly not least, I promised you some updates on some past Artist du Jour interviewees…
Who Ever Said Green Couldn’t be Stylish…. and Illustrated???
Everyone needs to go and check out Andrea Peterson’s awesome new eco totes, featuring her lovely artwork Oooh La La, in her Etsy shop. I just broke my in at the grocery store today, and I love it!!! It’s way more stylish (as my 2 1/2 going on 25 year old says) then the grass green Publix totes I’ve been lugging around. I can’t wait for her to do more so I can start a collection…and rid myself of the Publix collection.
Awesome eco tote by Andrea Peterson
Not to mention, Artist Andrea has some other new awesome goodies in her new website shop, including sleep masks… and some super sweet postcards opn Etsy!
Artist du Jour Alumni Updates, April 2011
Also, be sure to check out past Artist du Jour interviewee, Kristy Lynn’s new shops on Studio6: Cloud Drop Paintings Shop and Lover. I am so in love with her painting, Bird Lovers (which was featured in her interview), and hope to get my hands on a print very soon!
Bird Lovers by Kristy Lynn
Jessica Byrd Buchanan, past interviewee, has a new line of lovely bookmarks, magnets and jewelry featuring her photography now available on Etsy.
Necklace by Jessica Byrd Buchanan. Photo by Jessica Byrd Buchanan.
Also, to all you art school folks, current Artist du Jour and fellow SCAD alumni, Brienna Pruce, has just started up a new Etsy team for all those that have or are attending school to study art: the Art School Grad Team. I love that Brienna is doing this, providing a great opportunity for all artists to network, collaborate, and reach more people.
Ok, now I really need to hit the studio… though now I’m not so sure I want to drag out all my paints, brushes, pens, paper, etc. at 10 o’clock at night.
Artist du Jour: Brienna Pruce
Great interviews with great artists continue with the Artist du Jour: Mini Interviews with the Creative Kind series! It is my pleasure to introduce you to the delightful human pretzel and surrealist, the lovely Brienna Pruce. Her paintings are beautiful and fantastical dreams for the waking eye.
Artist du Jour: Brienna Pruce with acrylic painting Stacked to the Ceiling
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Brienna, think “Brie” spelled like the cheese, though ironically I happen to be lactose intolerant. I am a surrealist, working primarily in acrylic on canvas sheets that I can ship internationally because I travel frequently. Right now, my husband and I are living in Cambridge, England. I love painting new worlds that explore human empathy through animal and plant narratives. Through my art, I want to understand the human condition and what it means to be alive.
What artists inspire you? Would you say that your work is influenced more by other mediums, such as music, literature, or film? I have so many favorite artists, but some of the more recognizable ones are Salvador Dali, Remedios Varo, Mark Ryden, and Julie Heffernan. All art media, from great literature to beautiful music, inspire me. In fact, everything in life can be a catalyst for a new art piece; my paintings are a collection of memories and experiences, much like a subconscious dream made visible. I draw from everyone and everything that touches me, demonstrating the interconnection of all living beings.
Do you find a contrast between others’ perception of your work
and your intentions as an artist?
Miss Bunny Thinks Rain is Imminent by Brienna Pruce
I would say no, not because everyone sees my paintings as I do, but rather because I want to leave interpretation open. It is my intention that my artwork says something personal to everyone. We all have different cultural and singular associations with particular imagery, and yet we can all still grasp similar emotions; this is where human empathy unites us. What makes each of us unique is our varied perspective of life, but not the undercurrent that defines life. We all feel something powerful running through us, it is something we have yet to fully comprehend, but it somehow makes us alive. I hope to ignite that feeling of life through my artwork.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would want to heal the world. We are all suffering in some way and I would want to give everyone peace of mind, including myself. And then, selfishly, I would like to fly, but I can put that on the back burner for now.
Star Tree by Brienna Pruce
What emotions do you experience upon the completion of a painting?
It is such a bittersweet feeling to part with a painting. The finished piece is an accomplishment, but the creation process is where you struggle and grow as a person. It is like a terribly addictive mystery novel; you’re elated to finally know the ending, but you so enjoyed playing detective that you wish it wasn’t over… and continuing with that metaphor, now you have to find another book that may never meet your expectations after the last great book! That is to say, you have to paint something new and you’re staring at a blank canvas hoping you can keep topping yourself.
If you were not painting, what would you be up to?
Butterfly Tree by Brienna Pruce
You’d find me practicing yoga or cooking up a storm. And if I’m not in the gym or kitchen, my husband and I are usually traveling. I trained with a Grand Master in Vietnamese Powerful King Yoga; you can see me tied up into pretzels and lifting myself up like I’m flying… hey maybe I do have that super power after all (http://brienna.net/id29.html ).
Where can we find you?
Come visit me on my art website: http://brienna.net
My Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/brienna
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brienna.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/briennapruce
Youtube: The Ruined Kindgdom by Brienna Pruce
Madam Butterly and Caterpillar by Brienna Pruce
Artist du Jour: Sarah Ortiz
The Artist du Jour: Mini Interviews with the Creative Kind series continues with mommy, photographer, and lover of rain puddles, Sarah Ortiz. Lovin’ her photography skills and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in the coming weeks with her new shops!
Who are you and what do you do?
Artist du Jour: Sarah Ortiz
Hi! I’m Sarah – I’m a wife of a fantastic man and mama of one sweet, stubborn little boy (16 mos.) who’s full of energy. I’m an artist, mostly in the form of photography, but I also dabble in other forms of art and crafts. I love color, dancing, puddles from the rain, light, adventures, monkeys, consignment shops, new places, baby giggles, and much, much more.
Photography by Sarah Ortiz
Photography by Sarah Ortiz
Sarah and her adorable son, D.
Photography by Sarah Ortiz